Cramer upbeat following home invasion, beating

by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter

Linda Cramer

Former Anna Maria City Commissioner Linda Cramer is continuing to recover following the home invasion April 17 in which two men beat her about the face, tied her up and stole guns, cash and jewelry from the Crescent Drive home where she resides.

“I’m recovering physically, but mentally, to be honest, it’s too bizarre of an incident to not think about it. They obviously targeted this house,” she said.

She is now more cautious when leaving her house, entering her car or a store, or even when just passing people on the streets. She checks locks, windows and doors to ensure she’s secure.

“To think that something like this could happen in Anna Maria. When it happens to you, it’s pretty scary. It just shows you how desperate people are. This is a desperate time in the economy,” she said.

For Cramer, closure can begin when the case is completed.

“This just needs to be solved. But I’m pretty confident in the [Manatee County] Sheriff’s Office.”

Sgt. John Kenney of the MCSO’s Anna Maria substation intended to take vacation last week, but canceled his plans to tackle the case.

He, along with MCSO Detective Norbett Whorley are working the case, following leads and interviewing anyone who might have knowledge of the incident.

“We had a status meeting and we have several good leads. We’re following up and going over everything, checking the evidence and determining who else might be involved,” Kenney said.

The suspects were described as two white males, one about six feet tall, slim with brown hair and wearing sunglasses, while the other was listed as about 5 feet, 7 inches tall, short and stocky, wearing sunglasses and possibly named Mike. According to the report, the men were driving a white, older model delivery van with two sponge die tied to the front mirror.

Anyone with information on the incident, or who may have seen a white van on Crescent Drive around 4 p.m. on April 17, is asked to call Whorley at 941-747-3011, ext. 2597, or the Anna Maria substation at 941-708-8899.

Callers can remain anonymous and all information is kept confidential.

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